For several years Andi Harrimanhas been very successful as a DJ, promoter and writer. Ever since the release of the book "Some wear leather, some wear lace" it has been undeniable how multi - talented this woman is. Here's a little insight into her work.

How did you get into music?

I’ve always loved music – even as a child dancing to my mother playing Mozart on the piano. I would say it was engrained early on. Music always had a special relationship with me... as a pretty solitary person growing up, I always considered music my closest friend.

Which artists had a lasting influence on you and still affect you?

Depeche Mode changed my life in more ways than one, both musically and aesthetically. Even some important relationships I hold are because of DM. There are others, but none that have influenced me as much.

Your book “Some wear leather, some wear lace” was published last year. Can you tell me something about it and what inspired you to do this book?

Some wear leather, some wear laceis about the 1980s Post-Punk and Goth scene all around the world. The focus of the book is not on one style or country, but encompasses many genres of alternative music besides Goth ( Coldwave, New Romantic, Industrial, New Beat ) and covers areas one wouldn’t expect to have a Goth scene, such as Japan or Russia. It's about 75% photographs and the rest is an account of the Goth subculture though the 50+ interviews I did in the course of two years.

How would you describe your music style?

My music style is dark, mid-range and late-80s digital - think new beat/early German Techno / Industrial - with Eastern influences and samples. It seems strange, but it's pretty easy to recognize once you hear it.

I started about two years ago at a goth party in Brooklyn - I made a few mixes before that. The first time I realized I wanted to DJ was when I heard a mix from DJ Magal - he seamlessly mixed together many dark 80s genres and it blew my mind! As infantile as it sounds, this mix helped me realize it's all about a mood and telling a story - not just picking out songs.

You have your own Radio Show Black Door on WKFU, tell me something about it.

Black Door is somewhat an extension of my book research. I love to interview artists and ask about what music influences them, about their process and just have a good chat. The angle is ( obviously ) 1980s music, but I do like to bring in new artists that have the same love as I do for older music. Recently, I interviewed a Belgian DJ from the famous "Liaisons Dangereuses" radio show - that's been the highlight thus far.

You created the event SYNTHICIDE in Brooklyn. Tell me something about it and the idea behind it.

Synthicide came from the frustration of the NYC club scene. There are so many rules - play only Goth / New Wave at a Goth night, Industrial / EBM at others - I found that limiting and no one from the scene was looking outside the box... so I chose Bossa Nova Civic Club because it was a new venue ( for Goths / Manhattan-ers at least ), it's gritty and it's the middle of bum-fuck Brooklyn.

Synthicide was a Sunday happy hour party for a year where a lot of my DJ friends were generous enough to play for me and I gave anyone the opportunity that wanted it. My only rule in the first year was "No real drums!" ( it is a Techno Club after all ) - I wanted it to be unbiased and fun for everyone with no dress code, no drama, just music. Now, Synthicide is a Thursday night party, so it's grown up a bit. I think Synthicide has become known for its 80s slant, but I've also had Freestyle, Industrial DJs and even Frankie Bones ( Storm Rave / Sonic Groove ) play at Synthicide!

Successful female DJs / producers are still hard to find in the music scene. Tell me your personal thoughts about this and do you think something has changed within the last years?

I can only speak from experience and coming from an Industrial standpoint even though I do think the successful female DJs / Producers are few and far between ( despite their talent ), I think women are judged much tougher, we have something more to prove. This subject is touchy for me since I have been a victim of misogynistic bullying and I've made it a personal vendetta to succeed as a DJ. I'm sure most female DJs / Producers have had this sort of conflict, sadly.

Which kind of music are you listening in private?

I love listening to old DJ mixes and recorded radio shows from the 80s... that's where the real underground music can be heard. I'm also obsessing over the new John Carpenter album and the Ro Maron compilation release.

Are there any projects you are currently working on?

I am working on music and I hope to have some solid tracks out by the summer. Additionally, I am working on a book right now and in the very early stages of another.

What is important to you in life?

Being involved in all aspects of music, as a fan, a creator, a promoter, and everything else!

About Us

We are a collective of artists and DJs that provide a unique style of underground Techno, Electro, EBM, Rhythmic Industrial, Old School and New School to a new generation of sonic seekers. We fight against narrow thinking, intolerance and ignorance.